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The Valley Trilogy
The River
From Helen Bryan, international bestselling author of The Valley and The Mountain, comes the final chapter in her epic historical trilogy of love, loyalty, and family in the heart of Virginia.
It's the dawn of the twentieth century, post-Reconstruction, in the Commonwealth of Virginia. From the ancestral blood and sweat of its settlers—the immigrants, the slaves, the Cherokee—a new generation strives for prosperity in the united township of Grafton.
Across the unfolding decades, childhood friends, mothers and daughters, wives and lovers will have their bonds tested. New hopes and dreams lie beyond the river, and as allegiances are challenged, a harmonious community finds itself grappling with inevitable cultural change—change that creates a vast, opportune, and unpredictable new beginning for generations yet to come.
It's the dawn of the twentieth century, post-Reconstruction, in the Commonwealth of Virginia. From the ancestral blood and sweat of its settlers—the immigrants, the slaves, the Cherokee—a new generation strives for prosperity in the united township of Grafton.
Across the unfolding decades, childhood friends, mothers and daughters, wives and lovers will have their bonds tested. New hopes and dreams lie beyond the river, and as allegiances are challenged, a harmonious community finds itself grappling with inevitable cultural change—change that creates a vast, opportune, and unpredictable new beginning for generations yet to come.
443 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
About the author
Helen Bryan
19 books322 followersHelen Bryan is an American-born writer living in London for many years She qualified and practised as a barrister in England before giving up law to concentrate on a biography of fellow Virginian Martha Washington (MARTHA WASHINGTON FIRST LADY OF LIBERTY published by John Wiley in the USA in 2002 which won an Award of Merit from the Colonial Dames of America. WAR BRIDES (published by Penguin Books in the UK in 2007) is Helen's first novel. It features five young women, the war brides of the title, and is a multilayered saga of watime romances, a daring rescue plot, and long delayed revenge. It is now available on Kindle as well as paperback. A second novel, THE SISTERHOOD, will come out soon. Readers feedback and comments are welcome.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 24, 2025
A phenomenal end to a wonderful series
This entire series was FASCINATING. History fans will rejoice! It is fast paced, covering a variety of issues and eras in US history, and full of believable characters and touching (and heartbreaking) moments. Helen Bryan is a master!!!!
This entire series was FASCINATING. History fans will rejoice! It is fast paced, covering a variety of issues and eras in US history, and full of believable characters and touching (and heartbreaking) moments. Helen Bryan is a master!!!!
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October 6, 2021Historical fiction that follows many families in Virginia
I read all three books as one long saga that reveals the strength it takes for families to migrate from one continent to another and establish their livelihood in the wilderness. The series is reminiscent of the Outlander series, especially in view of the Cherokee connections and the mysticism associated with the unexplained disappearance of young school children playing near a cave..
Having read hundreds of Kindle Unlimited books, I have grown accustomed to content error related to date, time or place or issues that lack reality. Fortunately, this series had very few, but I would like to point out that Granny Primrose could not have been uninsured during her final illness,as she, as a U.S. citizen and a widow, and would have had Medicare insurance and been eligible for out patient hospice services that are so very worthwhile and helpful. Also, it is dubious that Rose Linda would still be using an ice box in the 21st century. Having used them in my past, they are messy, unreliable and difficult to keep supplied with heavy and unwieldy ice blocks. Any intelligent person would ditch their ice box for an electric unit. Old wooden ice boxes make charming pieces of furniture that look great in log homes as cabinets..
I read all three books as one long saga that reveals the strength it takes for families to migrate from one continent to another and establish their livelihood in the wilderness. The series is reminiscent of the Outlander series, especially in view of the Cherokee connections and the mysticism associated with the unexplained disappearance of young school children playing near a cave..
Having read hundreds of Kindle Unlimited books, I have grown accustomed to content error related to date, time or place or issues that lack reality. Fortunately, this series had very few, but I would like to point out that Granny Primrose could not have been uninsured during her final illness,as she, as a U.S. citizen and a widow, and would have had Medicare insurance and been eligible for out patient hospice services that are so very worthwhile and helpful. Also, it is dubious that Rose Linda would still be using an ice box in the 21st century. Having used them in my past, they are messy, unreliable and difficult to keep supplied with heavy and unwieldy ice blocks. Any intelligent person would ditch their ice box for an electric unit. Old wooden ice boxes make charming pieces of furniture that look great in log homes as cabinets..
January 10, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing Lake Union Author for a free digital copy for my review.
A sweeping tale through the generations of one family, this book spans from 1882 to present day and with each generation you get to know the women and how they handled the struggles and successes that life provided them. I normally shy away from slower paced reads, but this one had me invested in every birth, marriage, and death. I stayed up several nights past my bedtime reading under the covers to hide the light of my Kindle from my husband. I began rooting for the Marshall family and could not see what would happen to them next.
This was the third book in a series, but without knowing that outside of the book, I would have never known. I did not miss anything by not having read the first two books. However, I looked into it and the previous two books go back even further in generations of this family's history, and sound great.
This book is closed door for romance
Content heads-up: Rape, Murder, Racism/Racist Language, Loss of a child, Miscarriage, Back Room Abortion, Mental Illness
A sweeping tale through the generations of one family, this book spans from 1882 to present day and with each generation you get to know the women and how they handled the struggles and successes that life provided them. I normally shy away from slower paced reads, but this one had me invested in every birth, marriage, and death. I stayed up several nights past my bedtime reading under the covers to hide the light of my Kindle from my husband. I began rooting for the Marshall family and could not see what would happen to them next.
This was the third book in a series, but without knowing that outside of the book, I would have never known. I did not miss anything by not having read the first two books. However, I looked into it and the previous two books go back even further in generations of this family's history, and sound great.
This book is closed door for romance
Content heads-up: Rape, Murder, Racism/Racist Language, Loss of a child, Miscarriage, Back Room Abortion, Mental Illness
December 9, 2020
The River in the epic historical series The Valley Trilogy, Book 3 by Helen Bryan is historical fiction set in post reconstruction Virginia in the 19th Century through the 20th Century. I love to savor a historical book that transports the reader to a time and place I can never imagine without the author’s story. She tells of the joys and sorrows of generations of families in Grafton Virginia. Bryan’s character’s seem so real they could be family members or friends. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to read about your ancestors and learn what their life was like. Read how each character’s life choices and world shaped and changed their lives. I hope there will be more in this series to finish everyone’s stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
February 3, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and want to thank the author for participating in the giveaway of her book. I enjoy historical based novels as a general rule and enjoyed parts of this book as well. However, with current events as they are in today's world I like to read uplifting books to transport me to a happy space and this story had so many tragic events (rape by another race and not loving that child equally as their other children, murder, many miscarriages and the toll on the women who lost their children, bad abortions that took the health of the person to the point of suicide, troubled mothers who abandoned their child, lost fiances during the war, etc.) I did enjoy the history woven into the storytelling and some of the characters particularly the Marshall grandparents at the end and some of their ancestors, but the story moved thru so many generations of families that sometimes it would have been great to have known them in greater detail.
February 11, 2021
Just when I was starting to connect with the characters it suddenly, without warning, changed story lines. By half way through the series, a couple things were starting to finally connect. At times the story seemed to drag with too much detail on certain "historical" points. Probably interesting to anyone who lived in this area. Other times it skipped over important characters or events. One minute they were young...then old, I felt there were gaps in the story line that could have flowed together better. Every time it would get interesting the story would stop then jump ahead to the next generation, leaving me hanging. Eventually, at the end of the series, the many gaps were finally filled in with a long narrative explaining everything intentionally and unnecessarily left out, step by painful step as if solving a murder mystery. With again, a long history lessen.
April 29, 2021
Saga of several generations in a rural town
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for the ebook copy I received in a giveaway.
At first I was a little worried that in reading this book, the third in a trilogy after "The Valley" and "The Mountain", I would be a little left behind for not starting with the first. I was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case, and I enjoyed this book all on its own. It's a long tale of over a hundred years in a small Virginia town, following several generations up to present day. There's hardship, wealth, love, loss, folklore, and history interwoven by human connections and deep roots to the land. The story isn't about any one person in particular, but many different people and how their lives were shaped by Grafton, VA. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for the ebook copy I received in a giveaway.
At first I was a little worried that in reading this book, the third in a trilogy after "The Valley" and "The Mountain", I would be a little left behind for not starting with the first. I was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case, and I enjoyed this book all on its own. It's a long tale of over a hundred years in a small Virginia town, following several generations up to present day. There's hardship, wealth, love, loss, folklore, and history interwoven by human connections and deep roots to the land. The story isn't about any one person in particular, but many different people and how their lives were shaped by Grafton, VA. I enjoyed it.
January 30, 2021
Excellent trilogy
Although these books could possibly be read as standalone, I highly recommend the trilogy in order. Since I am a Tennessee native, I really enjoy how locations were woven into the stories. Even though Grafton, the Bowjay Valley and the Bowjay River are fictional, they well describe beautiful East Tennessee/Western Virginia. Yesterday, I visited the Big Frog Mountain, Little Frog Mountain area of extreme South-East Tennessee. They are separate Wilderness areas in Polk County Tennessee, with Big Frog Mountain accessible by gravel road to trailhead parking area and Little Frog Mountain accessible by trails. I invite readers of this Trilogy to visit our beautiful area of the world.
Although these books could possibly be read as standalone, I highly recommend the trilogy in order. Since I am a Tennessee native, I really enjoy how locations were woven into the stories. Even though Grafton, the Bowjay Valley and the Bowjay River are fictional, they well describe beautiful East Tennessee/Western Virginia. Yesterday, I visited the Big Frog Mountain, Little Frog Mountain area of extreme South-East Tennessee. They are separate Wilderness areas in Polk County Tennessee, with Big Frog Mountain accessible by gravel road to trailhead parking area and Little Frog Mountain accessible by trails. I invite readers of this Trilogy to visit our beautiful area of the world.
February 12, 2021
The book was a fast reader. It starts with a family in the mid 1800's and goes to early 2000's. It covers several generations of a couple of prominent families and the development of a small town community of Grafton. The emphasis is on mother and daughter relationships and the daughter's best friends. It was interesting watching the comparisons of appropriateness through the generations as times change: from having maids/servants to school segregation and women going from helpless people only looking for a husband to finally finding their way to school/college and making their own choices. Who supports women advancements and who wants time to stand still. I look forward to reading other books written by Bryan.
January 25, 2021
Reliving the Past
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest review. This book was hard to get into at first, maybe because I did not read the first two books in the trilogy. Once I learned the authors writing style, I was able to understand and enjoy her story. Grafton was an old town, with the residents knowing everyone and their lives. We follow the generations of Marshalls and their lives, loves and loss. I think we came full circle. Come along and listen to their story.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest review. This book was hard to get into at first, maybe because I did not read the first two books in the trilogy. Once I learned the authors writing style, I was able to understand and enjoy her story. Grafton was an old town, with the residents knowing everyone and their lives. We follow the generations of Marshalls and their lives, loves and loss. I think we came full circle. Come along and listen to their story.
July 17, 2022
Did not want the series to end!
The characters became more than words on a page. I'm one of those readers who use reading to escape from the crazy sad World we live in . This saga was not perfect historically nor was it a literary masterpiece. However it was filled with rich characters experiencing life boldly. Because the series spanned several centuries the storyline spanned several generations. Births deaths and all the living in between. Helen Bryan's saga reminds us to expect the next generation will carry on.
The characters became more than words on a page. I'm one of those readers who use reading to escape from the crazy sad World we live in . This saga was not perfect historically nor was it a literary masterpiece. However it was filled with rich characters experiencing life boldly. Because the series spanned several centuries the storyline spanned several generations. Births deaths and all the living in between. Helen Bryan's saga reminds us to expect the next generation will carry on.
February 27, 2022
Very fast narrative
Hard to put down. Joy, sorrow, happiness, death, love and loss all intermingled giving the story a real sense of the reality of the lives of the characters and readers. War, abortion and it’s consequences, fight for racial justice, violence, nationality, justice, women’s fight for equal rights among other real life’s struggles presented in a such a serious and humorous way. Keeps you reading till the end. Just great reading!
Hard to put down. Joy, sorrow, happiness, death, love and loss all intermingled giving the story a real sense of the reality of the lives of the characters and readers. War, abortion and it’s consequences, fight for racial justice, violence, nationality, justice, women’s fight for equal rights among other real life’s struggles presented in a such a serious and humorous way. Keeps you reading till the end. Just great reading!
March 20, 2021
Goes by quickly
I’ve loved this series since The Valley came out, but this book felt like it skipped ahead every 30 years or so just to move the story along instead of fleshing out characters. I’m ready to go back and read them all in order again to sort through all the characters and history.
I’ve loved this series since The Valley came out, but this book felt like it skipped ahead every 30 years or so just to move the story along instead of fleshing out characters. I’m ready to go back and read them all in order again to sort through all the characters and history.
July 8, 2022
Well... this one is gonna stick
What a wonderful story. I don't know what it is about this author but her stories, this story is going to stay with me. It's one I'm sure I'll read the trilogy again. What a saga! If you want to read another stick to you story, read The Sisterhood. You will not be disappointed.
What a wonderful story. I don't know what it is about this author but her stories, this story is going to stay with me. It's one I'm sure I'll read the trilogy again. What a saga! If you want to read another stick to you story, read The Sisterhood. You will not be disappointed.
October 10, 2022
Couldn't finish trilogy
I read first book of this trilogy and it Wars decent. Onto the second book and it was barely ok. Tried this one the third book, got 20 pages into it and moved onto a different book. Too many characters to keep track of, rather redundant in few parts and just lost interest.
I read first book of this trilogy and it Wars decent. Onto the second book and it was barely ok. Tried this one the third book, got 20 pages into it and moved onto a different book. Too many characters to keep track of, rather redundant in few parts and just lost interest.
January 14, 2021
Great ending to a wonderful story
I really enjoyed this whole series and this one really put all of them together nicely. I loved hearing of the families names and homes being lived in since this series began and still being lived in and the places being used 100 years later
I really enjoyed this whole series and this one really put all of them together nicely. I loved hearing of the families names and homes being lived in since this series began and still being lived in and the places being used 100 years later
January 27, 2021
History and
I enjoyed this series very much. I just wished for some of the main characters there had been a little more character development, in this book. I found the historical aspect very charming.
I enjoyed this series very much. I just wished for some of the main characters there had been a little more character development, in this book. I found the historical aspect very charming.
January 27, 2022
Very Entertaining!
I was initially drawn to this story by the Appalachian setting, which I Love. Then I got hooked on the narrative, the flowing descriptions and personalities of the characters... What fun!
I was initially drawn to this story by the Appalachian setting, which I Love. Then I got hooked on the narrative, the flowing descriptions and personalities of the characters... What fun!
March 15, 2022
End ot a trilogy
This book is so much better than the first 2 in this trilogy!!! Didn't want to put it done. Does an amazing job of weavung bits of 1sr two books into it in such a way that doesn't feel contrived. Worth reading the whole trilogy for.
This book is so much better than the first 2 in this trilogy!!! Didn't want to put it done. Does an amazing job of weavung bits of 1sr two books into it in such a way that doesn't feel contrived. Worth reading the whole trilogy for.
August 14, 2022
the River
I feel like I’ve just visited with family. The characters are so real and richly portrayed. Great job of the author to carry the lore and history behind an engaging, addictive storyline
I feel like I’ve just visited with family. The characters are so real and richly portrayed. Great job of the author to carry the lore and history behind an engaging, addictive storyline
October 12, 2022
History Told Through Generations Of Families
There are lots of characters to remember at first. Then they all become real, diverse, and bring history to life. It's a great read and I didn't want it to end.
There are lots of characters to remember at first. Then they all become real, diverse, and bring history to life. It's a great read and I didn't want it to end.
May 20, 2023
Great end to the Trilogy!
I loved the character development.
Great plot twists.
Historical elements enrich this story to make it a must read.
This is a great series for those who love historical fiction and romance.
I loved the character development.
Great plot twists.
Historical elements enrich this story to make it a must read.
This is a great series for those who love historical fiction and romance.
December 4, 2020
Helen Bryan's talents continue to shine though in The River. It was so very good. I am giving it five stars.
January 19, 2021
Grocery store paperback caliber writing and story.
January 24, 2021
Love this series of historical fiction. I'm a big Bryan fan -- her details and prose are fabulous.
February 17, 2021
Book. Please don't end.
I love MS. Bryan's books. Hated to see them end. Buy them and enjoy a mix of historical aspects and fun fiction.
I love MS. Bryan's books. Hated to see them end. Buy them and enjoy a mix of historical aspects and fun fiction.
May 14, 2021
Great end to a very good trilogy. This 3rd book in the series was a good ending to this historical story.
The many characters seemed real and added to the story line. Hated to see the trilogy end.
The many characters seemed real and added to the story line. Hated to see the trilogy end.
May 28, 2021
Bringing history to life
Excellent reading, really enjoyed the lifespan over several centuries. Good characterization and I could almost smell the different living styles
Excellent reading, really enjoyed the lifespan over several centuries. Good characterization and I could almost smell the different living styles
October 14, 2021
Didn't love this book, but still enjoyable. Finished telling the story of the town of Grafton and the legacy of the original settlers right up to modern time.
October 9, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Highly recommend. Perfect weekend read. Light hearted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews